OHD OLIVIER HERO DRESSEN
RECOGNIZING & SHOWCASING FASHION BRANDS TALENTS & CREATIVES IN THE FASHION INDUSTRY, AROUND THE WORLD
OHD O H D
LIVIER ERO RESSEN
OLIVIER HERO DRESSEN
Olivier Hero Dressen Profession: Photographer, Director and Producer Instagram Account: @olivierherodressen @herodirector Website or social media link: http://www.olivierdressen.com http://www.herodirector.tv Email address: olivier.dressen@gmail.com Shanghai, China
About: My name is Olivier
Hero Dressen; I am a Belgium photographer and director currently based in Shanghai. Represented in more than five countries, my dream is to create works which resonate with wider audiences; I love to tell stories, give deep feelings and open imaginary worlds and resonate with people around the world.
Your Story I started to draw since I am a kid and never stopped creating so far, I had the chance to work with amazing people through my career and achieve many of my dreams, but yet, I still want to do more, direct my first feature, do music videos with the most prominent artist on the planet, shooting photography in the most unusual places and portraits of very creative and exciting mind of today's.
NATASHA NATASHA
NN
Natasha Natasha
natalyanii@mail.ru
@https://www.instagram.com/nata https://vk.com/id326608428 Country Russia
State / Region
Altai territory Model
I am a student at Pedagogical University. Modelling started to get involved because of the huge desire to overcome their fears and complexes and to prove himself that I can do a lot. I believe that each person has their personality, which must be disclosed. I am a person friendly and helpful, that is why with me easy to work with. Very love new acquaintances and unusual for me shooting. Ready to develop and to try me in dierent images. In General, in me a huge amount of energy to create. Photo Credits: Model: Natasha Anikina @natalyanii
VG V -S
AHI HA GEORGE
VAHI-SHA GEORGE
Vahi-Sha George Profession: Model @Vahxo http://www.instagram.com/vahxo/ Email address: vahishageorge@icloud.com August Bordeaux, France
About: My name is Vahi-Sha George I am from a beautiful island called Saint-Martin I was born and raised there, but I am now living in France. From a very young age I wanted to become a model because in my opinion modeling is a form of art in which you can tell a story just by posing for a picture.
Your Story I’ve always wanted to be a model, but it was hard because of where I was living. It was hard for me to grow as a model because there weren’t many opportunities but after moving to France, I was able to build and overcome the obstacles I had to face before moving.
Photo Credits: Model: @vahxo Photographer: @iduzanson
RB
ROB HICKS
Rob Hicks Profession: Model, Stylist. Instagram Account: @Rob.hickss https://www.instagram.com/rob.hickss/ Email address: rhicks706@yahoo.com Jacksonville, Fl, USA About: Whenever I work with anyone, my goal is to have them say "it has been a pleasure working with you."I always bring a creative, edgy, positive, fun energy with me. I love fashion, film, photography and all the arts as well! My hobbies are surfing, reading, Muay Thai and spending time with friends and family.
Your Story I graduated from Marjory Stoneman Douglas the year after the shooting. Going to the funerals and hearing the awful stories made me appreciate the smallest things. Nothing is promised in life except death. So I enjoy every moment in my life. Photo Credits: Instagrams: @poschemodelsintl @evelynphotom @eidenimages
ALEX
RUYGROK
Alex Ruygrok Profession: Model Instagram Account: @Alex_Ruygrok http://www.alexruygrok.com Email address: info@alexruygrok.com NSW, Australia About: I am a 13-yeard old model and influencer based in Sydney, Australia. During my relatively short career of only a year and a half, I have been featured in selected teen fashion catalogues, magazines and TV/Disney commercials. In addition to my modelling career I am passionate about swimming and surfing. I am also a robust anti-bullying activist. I have joined forces with my local charity, Angels Hope, in raising much-needed awareness on teen bullying. Your Story Hi, my story is straightforward. On the suggestion of my mum, I joined the local modelling agency, Star Fish Kids. This was at the beginning of 2017. At this time, I was already a clothing size 12 hence I did not quite fit the mainstream market for kids fashion. (I was told that I needed to be size 10 to be selected for various fashion shoots and catalogues) However, despite all this, I was fortunate enough to get few jobs within the fashion, media and TVC. My advice to anyone wishing to embark on the career of becoming a model is to join a reputable local modelling agency and at the same time to start their oďŹƒcial Instagram account. Instagram has turned out to be a perfect tool for the promotion of my brand and industry networking. At this point of time, I am too young to be an adult model and to 'big' to be a kid model, so I am mainly engaged in the influencer side of work, which is still quite interesting and rewarding. The most important thing I have learnt over this brief period is to stay humble and to appreciate simple things in life such as spending time with my friends from school and my family. There were some unpleasant experiences along the way, such as bullying, which I have experienced from all sides of life (media and the school) but these have been resolved, and I am fortunate enough to say that I am now in a strong position to help others who are going through a similarly tough time. I'd say to anyone: 'Believe in yourself and do what you like doing'. Hope this story has been interesting reading for some of you.:) Photo Credits: Photo1 - @brittdionphotography Photo 2. - @rachelcanalephotography, Photo 3 @mollymagnuson, Photo 4 - @bryangauvan, Photo 5 - @kyliesouthwood, Photo 6 @rachelcanalephotography, Photo7 - @tedyphotography, Photo 8 - @kyliesouthwoodphotography, Photo 9 - @michaelmurchyphotography and Photo 10 - @sagaj
Designer Jennifer Laurantius
Je n n i f e r L a u r a n t i u s - Fa s h i o n Designer jennifer.laurantius@hotmail.com @jennifer_laurantius http://jenniferlaurantius.com Country United States State / Region NY Fashion Designer Fa s h i o n Design, Development
Pro d u c t
ABOUT Jennifer Laurantius graduated with A.A and B.F.A in Fashion Design from the Academy of Ar ts University in San Francisco. Upon graduation, she gained experiences working in New York Fashion industry for several years. She had worked for numerous NY brands with the likes of Proenza Schouler, Yigal Azrouel, Rachel Zoe, and Nicole Miller, among others. She also participated in supporting Dion Lee d e s i g n te a m f o r F / W 2 0 1 8 r u n w a y collection and Carrie Hammer for S/S 2015 runway collection. In 2018, she was invited to showcase her own mini collection as an International Guest Designer at Midland Fashion Awards 2018 in Birmingham, United Kingdom, and won a T-Shirt Design Contest by /Nyden, H&M new contemporar y brand. Other than designing, she actively participates on side projects in assisting NY - based stylists for magazine editorial photo shoots and event coverage. As a designer and artist, she has always been inspired by contemporary youth culture. Her designs reflect the edgy and modern attitude, with a lot of vivid colours, graphics, materials development.
Photo Credits: Photographer/ Stylist: Diana Tran MUA: Tara Marshell Mo d e l : Catherine Management)
( S t a rs
KV
KRISTINA
VOITSEKHOVSKAYA
Kristina Voitsekhovskaya kristichesse@gmail.com @Makeupkristi https://www.instagram.com/Makeupkristi Country Russia State / Region Moscow Make-up Artist
ABOUT I'm a makeup artist. I create editorial images for TV presenters and images for advertising campaigns. I also work with private clients when it is necessary to look into the soul of a man and to create the manner in which he or she will feel comfortable and confident. My projects include advertising campaigns for Mars, Sberbank, Panasonic, L'oréal, Fonbet, European and many others. I was a makeup artist at fashion week in Moscow and Mercedes fashion week. With a team, we thought through the images and style for Match TV Sports presenters. I teach courses that I created for ordinary women to do professional makeup for all occasions and professional make-up artists. My graduates are makeup artists who work in well-known fashion companies. Kris specialises in Fashion and Editorial Advertising TV
IYI IEN Y T MUA
Yiyi Tien amytien85924@gmail.com @yiyi_makeuphair http://amytien85924.wixsite.com/yiyitien Country United Kingdom State / Region London Make-up Artist ABOUT I am from Taiwan, and I came to London study hair and makeup course in LCF. I am passionate about my job and my specialism. I love to create interesting makeup which shows my idea and feeling to it. Collaboration with other talents is a good chance for me to expand my ideas. Yiyi, what are your passion and aspiration in life? How did you start as a Make-up Artist? I am always passionate about beauty career. Thus hair and makeup are what I love to do. I love to make people look pretty and confident about themselves. I started to work with my team in uni, and I started to get a collaboration with people from outside uni. I love to work with creatives, so that shows more potential in my work. Who is your inspiration in life Yiyi? How do you keep inspired? My inspiration is my dad because he always told me to do the things I love, no matter how hard it is to get my dream job. Just stick with it and try hard to let your dream come true. This is why I never stop doing collaboration and building my portfolio because I want to show others, how good am I and what else can I do more than just this. We all make mistakes Yiyi; we wish we could take back. Please tell us about time being a Make-up Artist; you wish you’d handled a situation differently with a colleague. I had a shoot with my friend, and I need to do three looks in just three hours. However, I have mixup the looks because the communication with my friend was not clear enough, therefore, the schedule was a bit delayed. Yiyi, when you’re working with a large number of clients, it’s tricky to deliver excellent service to them all. As a Make-up Artist, how do you go about prioritising your clients’ needs?
“The proudest moment is when I get messages about how people love my work and want to collaborate with me; this makes me feel really satisfied and happy for myself, this means all the hard work I did just worth it after all!”
I will ask my client whatâ ™s the most important things you care about, and I will try to make sure I have managed to take care of the area they concerned the most. Please tell us Yiyi, about a time you had to be very strategic in order to meet all your top priorities as a Make-up Artist? I have to arrange my uni class time with my other collaborations time well so that I don't double up the time for both. Yiyi, please give us an example of a time when you were able to persuade someone to see things your way at work successfully. When someone in a shoot told me about how they want the look to be like, but the actual look theyâ ™ve described was not that okay, I would tell them whatâ ™s the better solution for this kind of style they want, but not judging their ideas first, as I donâ ™t want them to think I am criticizing their ideas and so that they will often listen to my suggestions. Yiyi, please tell us about your proudest professional accomplishment as a Make-up Artist. There might be many, but there is always this proudest moment that you just want to share with everyone. What is it and why? The proudest moment is when I get messages about how people love my work and want to collaborate with me; this makes me feel really satisfied and happy for myself, this means all the hard work I did just worth it after all! Yiyi, please give us an example of a time you were able to be creative with your work. What was exciting or difficult about it? When I am doing my own project, I am always creative in my work as I donâ ™t like to do all the same boring looks every time and lots of the collaborations they trust my profession and let me decide the look. The exciting part is that I can express my ideas all by myself and show how creative I am but at the same time it is hard not to make any mistake so that the whole theme still works with the team. What advice would you give to the people who want to be successful as a Make-up Artist? Do not be shy! Do the things you think is right! Be confident and show your specialness into your work. Are you looking for collaboration with fashion talents, brands and creatives? If yes, please state below what type of collaboration you are looking for? Yes, I am always open to collaborations with other talents people in the fashion field. Collaborate like editorial shoots, magazine, blog shoots, beauty shoots etc Photo Credits: "YOUTH" Model @crystalnsimon HMUA @yiyimakeuphair Styling&Photograher @emilyhea(photo1-4) "DREAMY GIRL" Model @wiktoria.salajczyk HMUA @yiyimakeuphair Photographer @celiatang.photo Designer @officialgeorgegurung Assistant @kinkyskull (Photo 5-8) ♥ï¸BELOVED Project â™¥ï¸ Model @delphimc HMUA @yiyi_makeuphair Photographer @asararai Stylist @luke790624(Photo 9-10)
VEE WELLS
Vee Wells victoriawells82@yahoo.com @plaisirv https://www.instagram.com/plaisirv/ Country United States State / Region Texas Model ABOUT I'm petite lol. 5'5 but that's not stopping me! Vee, what are your passion and aspiration in life? How did you start as a Model? When I wasn't modelling at the time, everyone would tell me I should. I finally said okay and went for it! Who is your inspiration in life Vee? How do you keep inspired? Rihanna. She's so free-spirited and positive. I love it. Never hate, always love. And stay positive! We all make mistakes Vee; we wish we could take back. Please tell us about time being a Model; you wish you’d handled a situation differently with a colleague.
I was scammed out of my first fashion show. Never be too nice ladies and gentlemen. Vee, when you’re working with a large number of clients, it’s tricky to deliver excellent service to them all. As a Model, how do you go about prioritising your clients’ needs? COMMUNICATE! Always know what your team needs. Please tell us, Vee, about a time you had to be very strategic in order to meet all your top priorities as a Model?
“ I was scammed out of my first fashion show. Never be too nice ladies and gentlemen.”
I'm an aspiring actress; I'm a very awkward person. I had to break out of my shell at one point. Vee, please give us an example of a time when you were able to persuade someone to see things your way at work successfully. My mother and father thought I was wasting my time at one point. They would always push me to charge everyone right away. Now they see it all worked out at the end and I'm at a point where I should be at. Vee, please tell us about your proudest professional accomplishment as a Model. There might be many, but there is always this proudest moment that you want to share with everyone. What is it and why? Walking in a show last minute for a friend who’s one other model opped out of. I didn’t get paid but helping friends is always worth it. Vee, please give us an example of a time you were able to be creative with your work. What was exciting or difficult about it? I love shooting because that’s when you can put your creativity at hand. Expressions are everything. I also had long curly hair down to my butt. I was tired of everyone seeing me for my hair, “don’t cut it you’ll look ugly.†One morning I woke up and told my best friend let’s chop it off. And so we did. I was dark brown, blonde, bright pink, dark red, and now orange. I also got a heart tatted on my left cheek. Be unique and be yourself! What advice would you give to the people who want to be successful as a Model? Be patient. You will get discouraged at the beginning, but if handled correctly, you will become successful. Don’t be afraid to take risks. Are you looking for collaboration with fashion talents, brands and creatives? If yes, please state below what type of collaboration you are looking for? I stated before that Rihanna is my inspiration. I love how she teamed with puma and made history. I would like to team up with someone big as well and make history! Photo Credits: Cover photo 1&2 shot by Jessica Taylor- wardrobe by diva Blvd boutique. Pic 1&2: photographer Omar Ramos (the one who discovered me in Dallas) Pic 3: body posi shoot by Shea! I love her Pic 4: rooftop in Dallas by DK Pic 5: the angel and 7 devils by Shea Pic 6: my friend Chelse shot this at a breast cancer awareness football game Pic 7: my Mother shot this at one of Omar’s shoots before my next 2 shots Pic 8&9: Omar Ramos Pic 10: Jessica Taylor.
“Walking in a show last minute for a friend who is one other model opped out of. I didn’t get paid but helping friends is always worth it.”
CRISTIAN CASTR
CASTANO
RILLON
Cristian Castano Castrillon c24@misena.edu.co @cristiancastano_model https://www.facebook.com/cristian.castanocastrillon.52 Country Colombia State / Region Medellin Model
ABOUT My factions, my style and my catwalk, are unique; only I can do it the way I do it causing great impact Cristian, what are your passion and aspiration in life? How did you start as a Model? My passion in life is undoubtedly modeling; I aspire to become a model of international stature, a European model. I started as a model any day I uploaded a photo to Facebook, which saw an agency and I liked it, they communicated with me, and that's where everything started Who is your inspiration in life cristian? How do you keep inspired? my inspiration is the great model winnie harlow, a model who knew how to make their difference and is now one of the top models in the world, what keeps me inspired is always all those people who are there supporting me and believe in me, seeing a great model We all make mistakes Cristian; we wish we could take back. Please tell us about time being a Model; you wish you’d handled a situation differently with a colleague. in what I have been a model I have not committed any fault with them, the mistake I made was myself at the beginning, where he did not believe in me, and I thought that because I had some scars from an accident in childhood I could not get ahead. Cristian, when you’re working with a large number of clients, it’s tricky to deliver excellent service to them all. As a Model, how do you go about prioritising your clients’ needs? if you are in modelling you should know that you are a mold, which is used to capture ideas, proposals and all kinds of feelings and emotions of customers, the best way to prioritise the needs of customers is to know yourself and know capture what the client looks for and expects Please tell us cristian, about a time you had to be very strategic in order to meet all your top priorities as a Model? Yes, but I knew how to get everything done based on the discipline I have and the discipline I have acquired during this journey of modelling Christian, please give us an example of a time when you were able to persuade someone to see things your way at work successfully. It was a day in a job where the client wanted to see something very shocking; I knew I would achieve that with my different poses, my manager at that time was insisting that I make normal poses, in the end, I made normal poses and different poses. the client was happy but with the photos of different poses and I understood my manager that he was not what he said cristian, please tell us about your proudest professional accomplishment as a Model. There might be many, but there is always this proudest moment that you want to share with everyone. What is it and why? Something that I never forget was the day that I got a message on my facebook from a boy, who said that I WAS HIS MODEL TO FOLLOW, HIS INSPIRATION. I felt fulfilled and that I was finally beginning to fulfil one of my dreams that you were inspiring for many people Cristian, please give us an example of a time you were able to be creative with your work. What was exciting or difficult about it? It was in a job that I had to personalise a piranha; the most exciting thing was to be able to combine the makeup with the expressions of my face and the poses What advice would you give to the people who want to be successful as a Model? that they believe in themselves, that they dream big because it is worth dreaming and that they always have in mind that wanting is pooder, the limits you put on your Are you looking for collaboration with fashion talents, brands and creatives? If yes, please state below what type of collaboration you are looking for? I seek to be an image of great brands, to be able to participate in their catwalks and to be able to do a great job in which I can include my scars combined with my exotic face, as an inclusion style Photo Credits: photographer: Andres Velez @andresvelezfotografia
“
My inspiration is the great model winnie harlow, a model who knew how to make their dierence and is now one of the top models in the world, what keeps me inspired is always all those people who are there supporting me and believe in me, seeing a great model.
KS K
EAGAN STRENGER PHOTOGRAPHER
KEAGAN STRENGER PROFESSION: PHOTOGRAPHER INSTAGRAM ACCOUNT: @_KEAGAN_ EMAIL ADDRESS: KEAGAN.STRENGER@GMAIL.COM USA
About: I am a young, aspiring photographer from Minnesota, USA. Both my inner and outer eyes are drawn to people. I like to take pictures of people that show them as a version of themselves they'd never seen before. A version that exists presently, in an alternate timeline, or maybe will never exist at all. Photo Credits: Photo 1,9 - Model: Natasha Primus @nashprimus Photo 2,6,7 - Model: Dylan Eike @dylaneike Photo 3,4,5 - Samantha Wyatt @_samanthawyatt
CR
CHANTERAMSEY
PHOTOG RAPHER
Chante Ramsey Profession: Photographer Instagram Account: @vysynphotos http://www.vysynphotos.com Email address: chante@vysynphotos.com NY, NY, USA
About: Chante Ramsey is a local creative fashion and intimate portraits, photographer. Her artistic journey began in sorrow as a healing source after her mother lost her battle against cancer and had blossomed into a passionate expression of love and beauty. She shares her life’s passion with her friends, clients and other artists through amazing portraiture, fashion editorials and collaborative projects. What’s next is to continue the family tradition of teaching our youth but through the arts enabling them to embrace creativity in the same way that her mother instilled the love of art in Chante and her brother.
Photo Credits: Taurie Small - Fashion Stylist / Model - Sasha Dawn / MUA - Samantha Velling / Hair Stylist Siimba / Photography - Chante Ramsey
AT
Adam Toth
Adam Toth Profession: Hostel Animator, DJ, Basketball Player Instagram Account: @carterleague Email address: adamcarterprod@gmail.com Budapest, Hungary About: I'm working for the biggest Hungarian Party Hostel in Budapest as an animator, so I meet a lot of international people on a daily basis, and I love to hang out with them, share stories and learn new things about their culture. In my free time, I love playing Basketball, DJ at parties and work at different movie productions as an extra or stunt. Also, I'm a huge geek, so I create sport highlight films and play video games.
Your Story I've been in love with the game of Basketball since the age of 10. I've played in the USA in college (NCAA) and for the National Hungarian College Team. After my 15th season, I had two terrible injuries, so I had to stop playing on a high level. Since then I've been organising my streetball festival during the summertime called 525 CUP, and I started to do so many things that I didn't have time for when I was a kid. After I came home from the States with a Business degree, I finished a Basketball Coaching school and a Music Production school. My dream is to work in the NBA as a player developer or an assistant or to work around the world as a model. I started working in the modelling world for about a year now.
Photo Credits: Stylus Photography
KRISTIN
LINKLETTER
Your Story I began modelling when I was 14 with the support of my Mom who is a former model herself. Her experience and knowledge helped me to navigate the industry at such a young age, but I still had plenty of painful experiences and withstood many things that would ordinarily affect a model's self-confidence, self-worth and body image. Even with excellent agency representation, there were still times where I had to advocate for myself and say "No, I'm not comfortable doing that." I had to learn to watch for red flags and warning signs to keep from being prey to some whose motivation was to exploit young, inexperienced models. One of the hardest (and best) experiences was when I lived in Korea on a model contract for three months at age 16. While it was a fantastic experience and I got to learn about and enjoy a completely different culture, it also was overwhelming at times due to the incredibly long hours and gruelling schedule. I'm happy though that I have the opportunity to mentor young models who are new to the industry and share with them all the lessons I learned. It is still a constant battle to separate my self-worth from my modelling. It's straightforward to take rejection personally and feel there's something inadequate about you. There have also been many times that I've been critiqued in front of my face with industry professionals speaking as if I wasn't there. However, because I love modelling so much, I've chosen to continue embracing my passion for modelling while sharing my day to day journey and the battle of constant balance between accepting and loving myself and the inevitable rejection and critique. I've found that yoga, meditation, diet and exercise are the best tools for me to deal with the things that bring make me feel anxious. It's because of the travelling that modelling has allowed for me that I've met many amazing people who have taught me incredible tools to use, like grounding myself, writing in journals and the importance of the most basic of things such as breathing. I've also experienced a tremendous diversity in cultures in places I would never have had the chance to visit had it not been for modelling. These lessons are incredible gifts that were only made possible because of the opportunities modelling has brought me. What I have gained far outweighs the struggles and challenges and I am grateful for the chance to pay that forward.
Kristin Linkletter Profession: Model Instagram Account: @kristinlinkletter Website or social media link: http://kristintaylorlinkletter.com Email address: chelsea_linkletter@shaw.ca Port Coquitlam, Canada
About: I've been a model since I was 14 years old and over the years I've had the opportunity to travel to many new places and work with incredible talents. The best part about modelling is the platform it provides, allowing me to share the things I am most passionate about animal rights and youth mental health. I've been able to promote eco-friendly and vegan brands, and I've shared my journey, growth and goals when it comes to self-love and self-worth (which can be very challenging in an appearance-based industry, but it's possible, and that's what I hope to demonstrate.)
Photo Credits: 1 Photo by Felix Yuen @felix.yn MUA Jenny Li @colour_formula Model Kristin Linkletter @kristinlinkletter of League Models @leaguemodels 2 Photo by Felix Yuen @felix.yn MUA Jenny Li @colour_formula Model Kristin Linkletter @kristinlinkletter of League Models @leaguemodels 3 Photo by Felix Yuen @felix.yn MUA Jenny Li @colour_formula Model Kristin Linkletter @kristinlinkletter of League Models @leaguemodels 4 Photo by Felix Yuen @felix.yn MUA Jenny Li @colour_formula Model Kristin Linkletter @kristinlinkletter of League Models @leaguemodels 5 Photo by Felix Yuen @felix.yn MUA Jenny Li @colour_formula Model Kristin Linkletter @kristinlinkletter of League Models @leaguemodels 6 Photo by Felix Yuen @felix.yn MUA Jenny Li @colour_formula Model Kristin Linkletter @kristinlinkletter of League Models @leaguemodels 7 Photo by Brandon Dy Tang @bdt Model Kristin Linkletter @kristinlinkletter of League Models @leaguemodels 8 Photo by Brandon Dy Tang @bdt Model Kristin Linkletter @kristinlinkletter of League Models 9 Photo by Brandon Dy Tang @bdt Model Kristin Linkletter @kristinlinkletter of League Models 10 Photo by Brandon Dy Tang @bdt Model Kristin Linkletter @kristinlinkletter of League Models
About: I've been a model since I was 14 years old and over the years I've had the opportunity to travel to many new places and work with incredible talents. The best part about modelling is the platform it provides, allowing me to share the things I am most passionate about animal rights and youth mental health. I've been able to promote eco-friendly and vegan brands, and I've shared my journey, growth and goals when it comes to self-love and self-worth (which can be very challenging in an appearancebased industry, but it's possible, and that's what I hope to demonstrate.)
ALEX ALEX
ANDER ANDER P HOTOGRAPHER
ALEXANDER ALEXANDER ALEX260583A@MAIL.RU
@IVANOV.FOTO HTTPS://WWW.INSTAGRAM.COM/IVANOV.FOTO/
COUNTRY RUSSIA STATE / REGION VOLGOGRAD PHOTOGRAPHER ABOUT I SEE THE WORLD DIFFERENTLY THROUGH THE LENS. ALEXANDER, WHAT ARE YOUR PASSION AND ASPIRATION IN LIFE? HOW DID YOU START AS A PHOTOGRAPHER? TO ACHIEVE GREATER HEIGHTS IN PHOTOGRAPHY. STARTED TO SHOOT AT A REGULAR BAR OF SOAP OF THEIR LOVED ONES. WHO IS YOUR INSPIRATION IN LIFE ALEXANDER? HOW DO YOU KEEP INSPIRED? IDEAS DO APPEAR; I EMBODY THEM. WE ALL MAKE MISTAKES ALEXANDER; WE WISH WE COULD TAKE BACK. PLEASE TELL US ABOUT TIME BEING A PHOTOGRAPHER; YOU WISH YOU’D HANDLED A SITUATION DIFFERENTLY WITH A COLLEAGUE. WORK 4 MORE YEARS.MAYBE ALEXANDER, WHEN YOU’RE WORKING WITH A LARGE NUMBER OF CLIENTS, IT’S TRICKY TO DELIVER EXCELLENT SERVICE TO THEM ALL. AS A PHOTOGRAPHER, HOW DO YOU GO ABOUT PRIORITISING YOUR CLIENTS’ NEEDS? FOR ME THE MAIN THING THAT A CLIENT AND I WERE HAPPY. PLEASE TELL US, ALEXANDER, ABOUT A TIME YOU HAD TO BE VERY STRATEGIC IN ORDER TO MEET ALL YOUR TOP PRIORITIES AS A PHOTOGRAPHER? LONG LIFE TO BEST ACHIEVES THE RESULT. ALEXANDER, PLEASE GIVE US AN EXAMPLE OF A TIME WHEN YOU WERE ABLE TO PERSUADE SOMEONE TO SEE THINGS YOUR WAY AT WORK SUCCESSFULLY. NOT LONG AGO ALEXANDER, PLEASE TELL US ABOUT YOUR PROUDEST PROFESSIONAL ACCOMPLISHMENT AS A PHOTOGRAPHER. THERE MIGHT BE MANY, BUT THERE IS ALWAYS THIS PROUDEST MOMENT THAT YOU WANT TO SHARE WITH EVERYONE. WHAT IS IT AND WHY? WHEN MY PHOTOS ARE POSTED ON THE WEBSITE BEAUTY IN VOLGOGRAD ALEXANDER, PLEASE GIVE US AN EXAMPLE OF A TIME YOU WERE ABLE TO BE CREATIVE WITH YOUR WORK. WHAT WAS EXCITING OR DIFFICULT ABOUT IT? EVERYONE IS LOOKING FOR NEW TREATMENTS FOR YOUR PHOTOS WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO THE PEOPLE WHO WANT TO BE SUCCESSFUL AS A PHOTOGRAPHER? TO DEVELOP AND MORE TIME TO DEVELOP IN THE WORLD PHOTOS. ARE YOU LOOKING FOR COLLABORATION WITH FASHION TALENTS, BRANDS AND CREATIVES? IF YES, PLEASE STATE BELOW WHAT TYPE OF COLLABORATION YOU ARE LOOKING FOR? MODEL SHOOTING STYLES FASHION PHOTO CREDITS: PHOTOGRAPHER: IVANOV ALEXANDER HTTPS://WWW.INSTAGRAM.COM/IVANOV.FOTO/
BETHANY GRISSUM
MODEL, PHOTOGRAPHER, STUDENT, TEACHER, AND SINGER
BETHANY GRISSUM PROFESSION: MODEL, PHOTOGRAPHER, STUDENT, TEACHER, AND SINGER INSTAGRAM ACCOUNT: @DOCTORWISE WEBSITE OR SOCIAL MEDIA LINK: HTTP://INSTAGRAM.COM/ THIRD.WHEEL.PHOTOGRAPHY EMAIL ADDRESS: BETHANYGRISSUM@GMAIL.COM PHOENIX, AZ, USA
ABOUT BETHANY IS A CREATIVE SOUL BIRTHED FROM THE HEART OF THE COLORADO RIVER. SHE IS INSPIRED TO NOT ONLY CAPTURE THE MOMENTS THAT ONLY MEMORIES CAN CHERISH BUT TO EMBODY THE BEING THAT CONSTANTLY GIVES NOT ONLY THOSE MEMORIES BUT LIVES IN THEM.
SHE IS THAT CLICHE
SMALL TOWN GIRL WITH THE HEART OF THE CITY AND ADVENTURE, BUT HER PERSONALITY IS FAR FROM THE CLICHE THAT ONLY COMES TO LIFE BEHIND BOTH SIDES OF THE LENS.
SHE
BIOLOGY WITH AN EMPHASIS IN PRE-MEDICINE FOR HER
STUDIED
UNDERGRADUATE STUDIES TO THEN IMMEDIATELY RETURN TO STUDY
PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION WITH AN EMPHASIS IN HEALTH CARE MANAGEMENT FOR POSTGRADUATE STUDIES; BEFORE RETURNING TO HER
PASSION OF MODELLING. IN BETWEEN SHOOTS, YOU CAN FIND HER IN THE
CLASSROOM TEACHING
FINE ARTS AND
PRODUCTION FOR HER ELEMENTARY
STUDENTS AND MANAGING A TEAM OF
150 COLLEGE STUDENTS WITH DEALING WITH CUSTOMER SERVICE AT GRAND CANYON UNIVERSITY.
YOUR STORY THE BIGGEST STRUGGLE WOULD BE FACING AND UNDERSTANDING THE TRUTH ABOUT BEAUTY IN A WORLD THAT DOESN'T BREAK IT DOWN.
ACCEPTING THE PACKAGE I WAS GIVEN, WITHOUT INSULTING THE GIVER. BEING PROUD OF THE UNIQUENESS THAT
I HAD, WITHOUT
TAMPERING IT TO MY NEIGHBOURS.
BORN THE 7TH OF 11 CHILDREN, HOMESCHOOLED TIL COLLEGE, ROUGH AND LOUD, I HAD TO OVERCOME THE STIGMA OF NOT BEING "GOOD ENOUGH".
ACCEPTING AND LOVING THE SKIN I AM IN, THE SCALP I WAS GIVEN, AND EMBRACING THE CROOKED SMILE THAT LIT UP THE ROOM WAS THE MOST SIGNIFICANT AND MOST ADVENTUROUS JOURNEY THAT
I'VE TAKEN THAT I AM MOST APPRECIATIVE TO AND FOR. Photo Credits: AshtynNicolePhoto
L ILIANA HERNÁNDEZ
Liliana Hernández Profession: Bartender @Lilianahernandez2587 https://www.facebook.com/ LilianaHernandezModel/ Email address: lilianahm2587@gmai.com NY, USA About: I am an empathetic and caring person, who has discovered that nothing is more important in life than being happy. I love to spread positivity and help others in need. My passion is to inspire others to work hard & to help them obtain their goals no matter how hard it seems. Never let anything or anybody get in your way. My goal in life is to be the best at everything I do and never accept anything less than what I deserve. SKY’S THE LIMIT!
Your Story I come from a small farm town in Colombia. We are a family of 19 sisters and brothers. I have experienced many hardships growing up in a poverty-stricken country, with such a large family. There were many days that I didn’t eat and didn’t know when my next meal was coming. Trough it all I have always remained positive & always knew that one-day things would be better. We have stayed a close and supportive family, and that is what helped me get through it. My past has taught me to appreciate the little things in life such as food, shelter, & clean drinking water. Life is too short to sweat the small stuff. We have to make the best of every day and take advantage of what we do***Don’t forget to tell the people you care about in your life that you love them! Photo Credits: I would like take the time to thank all of the photographers who took their time to work with me. This list includes: Rubén Gorjian, Yoel GQ and Kenny w/ Unknown Photography.
DV V
DARIA OLKOVA
Daria Volkova Profession: Photographer @looufen https://www.behance.net/looufen looufen@gmail.com Saint Petersburg About: Since childhood, I have been fond of photography, and I always knew that I would combine my hobby with work! I like to photograph people so that their new image in the picture inspires them. I also like to shoot while travelling, as travelling is my second passion. I want to link my art and travel together in the future to conquer the whole world with my photo. Your Story I am repeatedly asked: why do I do photography. Indeed, in the world, there are many ways of creative expression, and for each of them, there must be a reason. I thought about this issue and realised that everything had gone since childhood. As a little girl, I ran with a soapbox and took some beautiful, as I thought, photos. I wondered why other people did not see the beauty that I see in this? I found my view of the world strange; I decided to stop doing it. "It’s a waste of time to take down the sticks on the roads (as an example) and prove to people that it is beautiful," I thought.
Time passed, but the craving for photography grew, made itself felt. As soon as I got my first SLR, I could not think of something else! At a rapid pace, I studied the art of photography and endlessly photographed. This went on for three years, and later I stopped and realised that in all this infinity of the world, which I am trying to reflect (or capture as you please), there is something in common, what I want to see on each photo. This is something that can be described as dark, thick, with a hint of depression and some anger. In some moments it may be crazy, and this makes it even more incomprehensible to people. The desire to create depressive frames was starting to confuse me. Why so, and not otherwise? Why do I not like to take good photos, bringing cheerfulness? Self-analysis took place gradually. After all, in ordinary life, I am a kind and responsive person who does not want anyone to be evil. In the end, I concluded that through a photo I have splashed out those emotions that are in my heart. What should not be shown in public? We all know the simple truth that a person should speak out / speak out and open the soul, so as not to accumulate a negative in himself, to live a quiet life. I the soul begins through photos. I want to note one more thing: thanks to the photo, I began to understand myself more, viewing from dierent angles. I see mistakes that I make and are not afraid of them because this is my personal experience, which should not be scared. Sometimes they need to be done to consolidate another thought and move on to the next life stage. Moreover, most importantly, I stopped paying attention to the opinions of other people, everyone has their own. If we live according to the patterns of others, is it meant to live? You need to create your world in which you will be comfortable, inventing quests and diďŹƒculties for yourself to develop. Try constantly new and do what you want! Many seek money, forgetting that money is only a means and not an end goal. Moreover, here it is immediately clear that a person will not be happy, because all his time will be spent on earnings, and not on attempts to attain individual happiness. What is the point? In general, the art of photography helps to live freely, expressing what is deep inside me.
AT T
ANI OROSYAN DESIGNER
Ani Torosyan anee_official@yahoo.com @anee_official https://www.instagram.com/anee_official/ Country United States State / Region California Designer
ABOUT My name is Ani, I am 23, and I am a fashion designer. Most people tell me I remind them of a cartoon character. A fashionable nerd would be another way to put it. Standing at 5'1", I'm small, funny, and incredibly sarcastic. I love making people laugh, it sparks excitement within me, and this is where my explosive character comes in with large gestures, exaggerated facial expressions and goofy sense of humour. Ani, what are your passion and aspiration in life? How did you start as a Designer? My passion and aspirations in life are all about inspiring people. I love the feeling of knowing that me, 1 out of the billions of people on this planet, inspired someone or a group of people through my designs and creations, or even just my personality. It makes me feel connected with people. My designs are aimed at making people feel beautiful and glamorous. I specialise in women's wear and focus on flattering the figure as much as possible while adding details that sparkle and turn heads. That being said, I studied fashion design at California State University, Northridge, where I graduated with my Bachelor of Science. From there, I've been working on expanding and growing my name as a fashion designer to one day join the ranks of some of the world's best designers and artists. Who is your inspiration in life Ani? How do you keep inspired? My inspiration stems from many different things. Family, friends, other fashion designers, musicians, etc. Some of the fashion designers that inspire me the most are Ralph & Russo, Elie Saab, Dolce & Gabbana, Kate Spade, etc. I love seeing beading and embroidery on pieces. When a piece looks like it's exploding in detail, I only want to look at it even more and examine all the work and creativity that was poured into it. I also love working with floral prints, 3-D flowers, or even handmade, beaded, and embroidered flowers. It adds the perfect feminine touch to a piece, regardless of the genre of clothing it falls into. We all make mistakes Ani; we wish we could take back. Please tell us about time being a Designer; you wish you’d handled a situation differently with a colleague. I had an instance with a colleague once who tried to make me second guess my work and get a reaction out of me. Let me tell you, it worked. I got super upset, and this colleague succeeded and walked away satisfied while I was left feeling aggravated and hurt. I later realised, after a lot of thinking and practice with controlling my thoughts and emotions, that not everyone deserves a reaction from me. I should have smiled and let this colleague pour out their lack of self-confidence, instead of taking it upon myself and letting their words infect my creative space. I came up with a very simple equation to help me with this: "If it's not going to be important in 5 years, it's not worth a second of thinking over." Ani, when you’re working with a large number of clients, it’s tricky to deliver excellent service to them all. As a Designer, how do you go about prioritising your clients’ needs? Something that has always helped me prioritise my workload and client needs has been making lists and placing everything in order from most urgent to least urgent. This helps me go down my list and cross off each task as I finish and move on to the next one. This also helps me plan my schedule and balance my everyday life with my work life. I recommend keeping a notebook or planner to anyone that needs a bit of help prioritising and balancing their tasks; It has helped me a lot.
Please tell us Ani, about a time you had to be very strategic in order to meet all your top priorities as a Designer? While I was getting my line "Potpourri" ready to be featured in the TRENDS 38th Annual Fashion Show at CSUN, I had to put my organisation skills together, refer to my lists, and multi-task to the best of my abilities. I had to conduct a fitting with one of my models who was almost impossible to get ahold of, and I was running out of time and falling behind the track, so I had to improvise and find other methods to fit the dress according to her measurements while finishing up other pieces all the same time. It was rough, but thankfully I got it done by moving some things around and re-prioritising. Ani, please give us an example of a time when you were able to persuade someone to see things your way at work successfully. I was once in charge of ordering fabric for an employer I worked for, and they normally ordered fabric from the same vendor who they trusted every time. In the process of researching to find the fabric they wanted, I came upon another trustworthy source who was actually more affordable and quicker with completing the order and having it ready for us. So I brought this to the attention of my managers, and although it wasn't their trusted source that they usually did business with, I explained to them that this could possibly be a great addition to their vendor's list in the future which could benefit them in case of emergencies and also save them money. They took my advice under consideration and submitted an order with the new vendor. Ani, please tell us about your proudest professional accomplishment as a Designer. There might be many, but there is always this proudest moment that you want to share with everyone. What is it and why? My proudest professional accomplishment so far would be winning the 2nd place in the TRENDS 38th Annual Fashion Show at CSUN. My very first collection "Potpourri" placed 2nd amongst the top three winners, and I was extremely thrilled to have left such a positive impact on the judges and shown them something to remember while they were judging and picking the top three winners. I remember during the preparation for the fashion show, I kept telling myself that "I'm going to win, I refuse to not place in the top three." I put my mind to it, and that is exactly what I did, and I was so proud of myself. Ani, please give us an example of a time you were able to be creative with your work. What was exciting or difficult about it? I was able to get really creative with my work when I had to make my first Av a n te Ga rd e p i e ce f o r m y co l l e c t i o n . It to o k s o m e t h i n k i n g , brainstorming, researching, and gathering inspiration from different sources until I finally came to a decision of exactly what I wanted to make. I chose to make a dome-shaped cage skirt covered in 3-D flowers that trickled down from the waist. It was a bit of challenge to start it off and begin making it, but once I started, I created my own methods and techniques to put the piece together. It felt so fulfilling because the final product was so unique and beautiful. What advice would you give to the people who want to be successful as a Designer? The advise I would give to aspiring designers, is to be as original as possible. Even if your ideas and designs are out of the norm or do not blend with current trends, it's okay, stay true to your ideas and do not conform to anybody else's thoughts and opinions. Constructive criticism is always a good thing, but from personal experience, do not ever feel discouraged. In the fashion industry you will come across a lot of criticism, but only let that criticism inspire you to be better than you were yesterday. Are you looking for collaboration with fashion talents, brands and creatives? If yes, please state below what type of collaboration you are looking for? I am always looking to collaborate with great minds and creative souls that have a mutual desire to do the same. I would love to collaborate with magazines, such as Model Citizen Magazine, and others for editorial shoots or even Magazine covers and ads. I would also look forward to collaborating with fashion and beauty bloggers and celebrity stylists so we can promote one another and grow in the fashion world. Photo Credits: Photographers: @ace_style @avoug
MS S MARY
UKIASYAN
Mary Sukiasyan msukiasyan@yahoo.com @shabeeg.official http://shabeeg.com Country Armeni State / Region Yerevan Designer ABOUT I am a creative person, and I like researching history for inspiration. I have an MBA in marketing and advertising, and that helps me create products that are easy to sell afterwards. I love and participate in the whole production process of making my t-shirts and sweatshirts. I speak English, Russian, French and Armenian. Currently interested in the American market, mostly California, NY and Massachusetts. Our readers would love to get to know you more Mary. Tell us about yourself, what is unique about you, your brand or the services you offer? I combine history, graphic art and fashion in my collections for Shabeeg. It's the holy trinity embedded in our brand DNA. Mary, what are your passion and aspiration in life? How did you start as a Designer? Accidentally, in the pursuit of finding my true calling, I went for a crazy idea in my head to create basic t-shirts and sweatshirts with our country's rich history and heritage as prints. Moreover, so it turned to be interesting for a specific niche, and that's how it all started, I was motivated to continue, and I am currently working on Shabeeg's 5th collection. Who is your inspiration in life Mary? How do you stay inspired as Designer? Armenia is an ancient country, and I look back in our history for inspiration, and every time a confident persona inspires me, whether it's a queen or a king or story or even across stone I find in one of the yards of our million churches. I also get inspiration from nature here. Armenia inspires me. We all make mistakes Mary; we wish we could take back. What was the error you made in the past that you want to you can bring back? One thing that describes me is that I never regret. Moreover, because I never regret I also don't keep in mind what I should regret.. Not saying I haven't made mistakes, I don't recall them.
Mary, How do you describe yourself in terms of working with clients? My marketing education has taught me that the client is always right and I try to go along their wishes and make them happy or explain to them why it's not realisable and suggest another option close to their desire. Please tell us, Mary, how do you prioritise work, social life, friends, and family? In my case, it's work, work, work :) I am in love with my job. Although I have a lot of other obligations in life, I guess I'm good at multitasking. Mary, please give us an example of a time when you were able to persuade someone to see things your way at work successfully. The hardest is with pattern makers. Their education puts them in individual boxes of what can be done and what can't. Moreover, since I don't have that education, I think outside that box, and it sometimes is hard to deal with them. So, once when they were trying to explain to me why it's impossible to do as I wanted, I just took the scissors and cut it the way I wanted, and it worked out, to their surprise. Mary, please tell us about your proudest professional accomplishment as a Designer. Having runways in NY and LA during NYFW and LAFW in the year 2018. Mary, please give us an example of a time you were able to be creative with your work. What was exciting or difficult about it? During the creation of our last collection inspired by the Armenian national costume, I set a challenge for myself to make modern versions of Taraz, our national costume. The responsibility was high, and I took a class in pattern making to be able to create my desired patterned myself. I also researched our national costume and its history. One, in particular, caught my eye. It was an outwear with one big eyelet on each arm, trimmed with fur. I turned it into a sweatshirt, with ribs instead of the fur and it became the best selling peace in the collection. What advice would you give to the people who want to be successful as a Designer?* * Dream it, do it. Having a designers eye means first visualising in your mind then putting it onto paper and making it happen.
Now for the best part Mary! Please upload 5-10 photos so we can get to see your work. Photo Credits: Photographer: emma.grigoryan@gmail.com
AYLIN SABRINA WHITE
Aylin Sabrina White Profession: Model Instagram Account: @aylinsabrinawhite Email address: aylinwht@yahoo.com
About: My name is Aylin White. I’m 21 years old, and I’m half Turkish and half British, although I consider myself to be mostly Turkish. I currently live in Las Vegas. I love travelling - I love learning about and experiencing varying cultures from all over the world. I’ve had a passion for modelling and fashion since I was young, although I have always believed that my height of 5’8” has been a setback on occasions. I love meeting new people, and I hope one day I can be signed by an agency so I can pursue my modelling dream that I have always had. This year, I made it to the top 20 preliminaries of Miss Turkey 2018 - it was truest an unforgettable and unimaginable experience that I will forever hold in my heart.
AB ALEXIS BEAULIEU
Jenny Valle-Oliinyk Profession: Model Instagram Account: 2Jenny__Vle http://Jennyvalle.com Email address: jennyaidevalle@gmail.com IL ,USA
About: Jenny Valle-Oliinyk is from Chicago, IL and takes pride in the modelling work she does. I not only give my energy, enthusiasm and excitement, but I also immerse myself in the experience. Making sure that my emotions are visible that I am happy with the garment and designer I am showcasing. If you look good, you also have to feel good, and that is what I show when I represent a fashion designer. I have been featured in magazines and have walked New York fashion week and Los Angeles fashion week. Along with having done commercials and being cast as a seasonal tv extra.
Photo Credits: All photos: Photographer- Billy Pissos HMU- Kate Trynkina
TW T W
IFANNY RIGHT
Tifanny Wright Profession: Model Instagram Account: @tifannywright tifannyewilson@gmail.com Las Vegas, Nevada, USA About: I'm a 19-year-old college student, and I have just started modelling in July. Shooting is my favourite thing to do because not only does it make me feel beautiful, it also allows me to work with dierent photographers who are all creative and inspiring in so many dierent ways. My biggest dream is to be an Instagram Model shortly and to have a big following where with this I can inspire others to follow their dreams too. I started modelling after an unusually high break up because I wanted to LOOK happy when at the time I was unfortunate and lacked self-love. It did not take long for me to realise that this is my ultimate passion and shooting helped me find myself and allowed me to love and respect myself in a way I never did in the past.
Your Story I apologise in advance for the long "essay" you are about to read. However, this is the story that made me who I am today... When I was four years old, my mother and father divorced. I would not say I had a terrible childhood but not having my dad around definitely aected me and at some points and made me wonder if I was the reason he was not around. My grandfather took the role of father for me up until I was in the third grade. My mom had met someone and in my opinion, impulsively married him. Their marriage did not last that long. He was a superintendent of construction in Alaska which made him only live with us for about 3-4 months out of the year. I did not want him around at all in the beginning. However, I was convinced that there was no way he would leave so I opened up and he became my dad. I still refer to him as my dad. If you could envision the "perfect" father, he was that to me. He helped me with school, with beauty, with fashion, with making friends, he even helped me improve my handwriting, and he would never fail to tell me how proud he was of me. He happily took on the role as my father and went to the extreme of adopting me. This explains why my name is legally Tifanny Wilson but my Instagram name is TifannyWright. I was born with the last name Wright and prefer to go by that last name currently. For a while, I happily went by my new last name because he had improved our way of living. He even bought my mom a new car and her dream house. Everything felt certain and secure at this point in my life. I was stupid to think it would stay like that forever. When I was 16 years old that all changed. Every year my dad would come home for the Holiday season. It was six days before Christmas, and this was the biggest holiday we all celebrated together as a family. Around 2 in the morning my dad came to my room and said to me "Tifanny I just can't do it anymore." He gave me $200 and left with all of his things. I never saw him again...
My sister and I tried calling him after he left in a panic. He picked up maybe once or twice and kept saying he was sorry... and kept hanging up... We tried calling him again with the hopes we would change his mind. Then I want to say 30 minutes of us still trying to contact him all of a sudden the calls stopped going through. He changed his number... We never celebrated Christmas that year, and honestly, we have not celebrated it since he left. Life felt chaotic for the rest of my high school career. My mom was the only one to come in contact with him a couple of months after he left and they contacted each other through lawyers concerning their divorce. I stopped caring about attendance and started partying, and my grades drastically changed. My mom was depressed and lashed out on those around her making her eventually have no friends left. The divorce they ended up having made us lose the house, we had to trade in the car, and nothing felt secure anymore. My mom took the money she got from selling her dream house to pay for the lawyers and for a real estate agent to help us find a new place. We ended up renting a house near my school even though we probably should not have. My mom was still dependent on spousal support and child support. After a few months of living in our new "home", he for some reason stopped paying spousal support and child support even though I was still 17. I want to say in about a year my mom could no longer aord the rent and we were in panic mode once again not knowing where to go. I watched a confident woman who achieved her dreams lose everything, and she eventually went bankrupt. It ruined our relationship and for a while her relationship with the entire family. My sister was always fond of traveling, and she and I would go on hikes and road trips and for a long time getting lost in nature made me feel better about the situation and eventually transitioned me into believing in the metaphysical. I was your typical stoner with crystals and plants. I would look up at the sky whenever I was anxious, and I would tell myself that none of my worries mattered as long as something as beautiful and pure as the sky existed. My dad leaving changed me and for the most part, I did not care how other people thought of me anymore. I would post pictures of trees and landscape in high school even though it was not normal for girls my age to do that. I did not care because exploring the world and feeling the Earth's energy around me made me happy. I had dreams that one day I would travel the world and capture the most beautiful pictures of all of it and that one day I would be a world famous traveller. Me being dierent like that is what intrigued my high school sweetheart. He would let me take him on hikes, and we even made a road trip to Zion National Park together when we first started dating. We were convinced for the longest time we were "Twin Flames" because of how connected we were.This relationship eventually consumed both of us. In total, we dated for about 14-15 months. For about two months we did long distance while he was in Europe and when he came back, he stayed with me and my mom for a week before going home. His father wanted him to move out for college, so he was going to live in a dorm.
He did not want to live in a dorm, and I did not want to keep living with my mom and watch her suer and possibly take me down with her financially. So we came up with this idea to get a place together last minute and moved in together. That way we could see each other more and be fully independent of our parents. At the age of 18, I moved out, and a part of me feels like I jumped into it because it seemed like a more stable life to live with him than to follow this path of uncertainty with my mom. She ended up crying when I told her and was happy because me moving out would help her more financially. With me gone she got herself a one bedroom apartment. I thought things would be easier and I honestly thought we had such a strong connection that we would be together for a long time. However, we are young, and the stress of living independently placed a huge wedge between us. We ended up arguing all the time. He rarely wanted to have sex with me, and this made me feel insecure about my body, and somewhere along the way, I stopped thinking I was beautiful. The fights were so bad at some points that I would get hurt, and he would break things so often. One time cops showed up because we were so loud and they came into our apartment because there was broken glass on the floor. They separated us and searched our bodies for any proof of domestic violence, and it's scary to think either one of us could have been charged with that if they found marks on our bodies. While he and I were on and o fighting my mom could not aord to keep living in her apartment and moved in with my sister. I did not want to move in with my sister and transition from full independence to seeing my mom every day. I also did not want to be a burden on my sister and her husband. However, this repeated cycle of fighting became way too much to bare. We convinced ourselves for a while that we could live with each other and be together until the lease was up and then we would be friends and go separate ways. It was not healthy for us to put an expiration date on our relationship. We disrespected each other and would constantly hurt each other, and during my second semester of college, I decided to move out and move in with my sister. The constant hurt and heartbreak made me forget who I was and for a while, I even convinced myself I deserved all of it. When I had first met him I had dreams I would travel the world and do something similar as @doyoutravel on Instagram and post the most beautiful pictures of the world I admired. Somewhere along the way I forgot who I was, stopped developing goals and dreams for myself, stopped loving myself, and stopped respecting my body by doing drugs. I moved into my sister's spare room expecting months of pain and uncertainty to follow. I started posting more pictures of myself attempting to convince the world around me I was thriving from the break up instead of emotionally broken. I would also post bikini pictures, and I think I was seeking attention from guys because I had not received attention from my ex in months. I started spending more time with friends to distract myself, and one friend, in particular, was an Instagram model. She listened to me complain and talk about my aching heart, and to this day I am so grateful for her friendship. Instead of letting me be sad she would go to the gym with me frequently and would constantly remind me that I was beautiful and I just needed help seeing it again. She said the pictures I was posting were beautiful and she wanted to introduce me to the modelling world. So one day she and I met up with two photographers that had reached out to her through, and we had two shots that day. Not only was it entertaining but for once after all the pain it felt like I found a lost part of myself.chasing my dreams.
When I was younger, I wanted to be a model, but as I aged, I told myself it was not realistic. The photographers both told me I should start modelling which boosted my confidence and my friend constantly made me feel so good about myself inside and out. I cannot express in words how happy I felt that day and how fun and natural it felt. I knew right away that I wanted to keep doing this.You know how people say that one day you will find your life calling and you will know when you do? I have never felt so certain in something before. Being in front of a camera allowed me to feel confident, happy and whole again. After just one day I knew I wanted to keep doing this and I remembered my childhood dreams and instead of thinking they were unreachable goals for myself I became motivated to do everything in my power every single day to push myself closer to my dreams. I changed my views and finally felt optimistic about my future. Modelling is something that makes me feel complete, confident, driven, and it allows me to believe that dreams are achievable. I have never felt so happy or passionate over anything before. I can also see how this passion positively impacts so many elements of my current day life by giving me the motivation to improve myself physically and mentally constantly. Yes, I have felt pain, but in my opinion, the struggles made me stronger and were necessary for me to get to where I am today. It would mean the world to me if Model Citizen helped contribute to the journey I am taking chasing my dreams. Photo Credits: Photo 1: Kenzo Mayol @zokenvisuals Photo 2: Kiefer Jones @kieferm#ones Photo 3: Tyler Kenny @tkenzphotography Photo 4: Jerrick Bonilla @dat_guy_jerrick Photo 5: John Garcia @johngarcia Photo 6: Nelson Mendez @imago28 Photo 7: Michael Ramal @potoram Photo 8: Kiefer Jones @kieferm#ones Photo 9: Kenzo Mayol @zokenvisuals Photo 10: Michael Ramal @potoram
HN H N
UY GUYEN
Huy Nguyen Profession: Model Instagram Account: @huynguyeny2 http://facebook.com/huynguyeny Email address:
huynguyeny2@gmail.com Lakewood, CO, USA
About: I love the cold and venturing to new places! My biggest goals in life are to achieve a good career, settle down and be happy. I love modeling and being able to tell a story through a lens. I love the freedom to create in art.
Your Story Honestly, I had a tough life. My dad was an abusive, irresponsible, and careless of a man. I was also molested when I was a child in our home country, and my dad didn't care enough to help me. So I grew up having identity and image issues. He left our family at the age of 13, and I ended up being the head of the household. I still run my family's finances up to this date. I went through an abusive relationship to realize that I need to take care of myself, and love myself more. I think of all these bad events are opportunities to help further improve myself and to become an even better person. I think it is important to say and tell your story aloud, because someone might hear it and know that they are not alone. Photo Credits: Ayvin Arthur Robin Fulton Nino Silva
AB ALEXIS BEAULIEU
Dr.Hiroyuki Kanamaru Profession: Model Instagram Account: @beautemedic Website or social media link: https://instagram.com/beautemedic Email address: beaute.medic@gmail.com Tokyo,Japan
About: I’m only the person both a fashion model and medical doctor in Japan. Your Story For the next Milan fashion week Photo Credits: Fresca models All rights reserved
JOHANN MICHÆL
About My name is Johann. I'm french and a new face model. I was graduated in hospitality management, and I decided to embrace a modelling career. I love fashion, travel throughout the world, discover other cultures, go out with my friends and meet new people to have an open mind still. Maybe it is because of my mixed origins (Africa, Europe, Caribbean). I want to be happy being myself and doing what I want to do, give love and positive thoughts no matter where I am. Being an international's model is one of the things that I want to achieve in my life.
Your Story
 Born and raised in Paris, I've always been an artist singing and dancing every time. My parents didn't want I follow an artistic way, so I was lost and tried to choose a job studying in hospitality management. After my graduation, I decided to be myself and follow my intuition. I did my first photoshoot this year and enjoyed it. I want to be happy doing what I want. It's about never walk in anyone shadows and follow my steps. Photo Credits: Eric Govignon
EMILY LE COUTEUR
Emily Le Couteur Model & Actor @emily_lecouteur https://emilylecouteur.com/ Email address: emily.lecouteur@bigpond.com Address: Melbourne, Australia About: Emily is passionate about Acting, Modelling and Performing. She has a very adaptable and versatile look and can take direction in her roles and use emotion to tell a story in her images. Emily is a fluent reader in both English and Greek and can learn her lines verbatim independently and promptly. She naturally adapts to different situations and characters and is at her best in front of a Camera. Emily has recently worked with Josh Gad and Lupita Nyong’o as a featured extra in the film Little Monsters and has worked on several TVC’s and Short Films portraying characters from happy, sad and everything in between. A right Actor at such a young age Emily’s passion is to be in front of a Camera doing what she does best. https://emilylecouteur.com/
Your Story - Interview How old are you? I am 7 years old What Grade are you in at School? I'm currently in Grade 4 because I skipped 3 Grades. What do you like about School? I love learning. Learning new facts is so exciting and fascinating. What do you want to be when you grow up? So many things! I would love to be a famous Actor & Model; I’d love to be a Computer Engineer because I’m interested in how computers work and I would also like to become the Prime Minister of Australia, we need to make a lot of changes. What do you like doing in your spare time? I love reading books; I also like reading National Geographic, it’s full of interesting facts. I want to play chess and sudoku. I like indoor Rock Climbing, and I love Dancing, Singing and Art. I also do Yoga; it’s so relaxing
Photo Credits: Anita Milas
AN NGO LANG
About: I am an actor, model, writer, Mrs Rising Star in the 2018 Miss of Australia Pageant and mom extraordinaire of 4. My goal in life is to be a role model of strength, courage, and grit for my children and women. I share my story of being a Vietnamese refugee through inspirational presentations and am working on completing my memoirs.
An Ngo Lang Profession: Actor/Model/Writer Instagram Account: @uniquely.an https://www.facebook.com/Uniquely.An/ Email address: an.ngolang@gmail.com New South Wales, Australia
Your Story I am a Vietnamese refugee. My family fled Saigon on April 29, 1975 - the day before the Communists took the country. We were one of the last refugees airlifted out that day. For seven days and nights, we were crammed on a US Merchant Marine ship along with almost 7,000 other refugees. With only one teaspoon of rice a day to eat, I suffered from extreme hunger and thirst, heat exhaustion, and fever. If it weren't for the kindness and compassion of a passing Marine who gave me some medicine, water and his rations for the day, I would have died. As the first Vietnamese refugee family to settle in Wichita, Kansas - we underwent many struggles (homelessness, financial hardship, culture shock, and racism) as I grew up. Even though the adversities of my youth, my proudest academic achievements include a Bachelor's and Master's degree in International Affairs. All of the challenges I faced growing up has made me grateful for my life today. A life of freedom - free from hunger, free from tyranny and free to make my own choices. I am a beacon of perseverance, hope and success.
Photo Credits: 1.@mishmish.photography 2.@minzoet 3.@melbournephotoshootexperiences 4.@mishmish.photography 5.@_beautography 6.@minzoet 7.@minzoet 8.@c.kahle 9.@c.kahle 10.@minzoet
DOUG SCALIA PHOTOGRAPHER
Doug Scalia Profession: Photographer Instagram Account: @passionfitone Website or social media link: https://www.instagram.com/passionfitone/? hl=en Email address: doug.scalia@gmail.com Phoenix, AZ, USA About: I’m an up and coming amateur photographer and have worked hard to improve his skills and educate myself. I’ve been fortunate to meet a fantastic woman that is also an extremely talented model. She brings out every ounce of passion within me, and for the first time in my life, I’m expressing myself artistically. The connection we have when shooting is nothing short of amazing, and I love coming up with creative images that showcase her beauty.
Your Story My most recent life struggle came just five years ago as I went to the numbing realisation that my 18-year marriage was coming to an end. My ex-wife had said we didn’t have a connection any longer and she was right, as I wasn’t happy and desired more, though I denied it for some time. I believe all things happen for a reason and when I met my current girlfriend and hopefully future wife, I knew from day one what my ex-had meant about a connection. The connection we share is out of this world, and there is nothing I don’t enjoy doing with her.
Photo Credits: The photos were taken and edited by me, Doug Scalia. The model is my girlfriend, Tracie Penrose, Instagram @traceee3.beefit.
ARSLAN CHAUDHRY
ARSLAN CHAUDHRY PROFESSION: MODEL/ CERTIFIED FASHION STYLIST INSTAGRAM ACCOUNT: @ARSALCH1 HTTPS://WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/PROFILE.PHP?ID=100000545027512 EMAIL ADDRESS: DR.ARSLANTAHIR14@GMAIL.COM NEW YORK, USA ABOUT: MY NAME IS ARSLAN CHAUDHRY. I JOINED THE FASHION INDUSTRY AFTER BEING A MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL TO INSPIRE OTHERS. I WANT TO PORTRAY THAT EVERYONE CAN BE STYLISH WHILE WEARING THE BASICS AND STAYING IN THEIR COMFORT ZONE BY JUST CHOOSING THE RIGHT CLOTHING AND BETTER COLOUR CHOICES. RIGHT NOW WORKING AS A FREELANCE AND HAVE NO EXCLUSIVE CONTRACTS WITH THE AGENCY IN NEW YORK. THANKS! LOVE AND PEACE YOUR STORY MY LIFE STORY ISN’T TOO DRAMATIC. STARTING AS A BRIGHT STUDENT, I JOINED THE MEDICAL FIELD AFTER ACQUIRING MY LICENSE I STARTED PURSUING THE IMAGE CONSULTATION/ FASHION STYLING. I WILL ALWAYS BE ATTRACTED TOWARDS THE STYLE AND HOW YOU CAN ENHANCE THE ELEGANCE OF YOUR PERSONALITY THROUGH YOUR OUTFITS AND STAND OUT IN THE GATHERING. NOW I AM STEPPING INTO MODELLING TO INSPIRE AND BETTER EXPRESS MYSELF IN TERMS OF STYLE WITH ELEGANCE
PHOTO CREDITS: SEHEE KIM
CHET BANKS PHOTOGRAPHER
CHET BANKS PROFESSION: PHOTOGRAPHER INSTAGRAM ACCOUNT: @CHET_BANKS25 EMAIL ADDRESS: PICKTHEMIND25@GMAIL.COM
UTAH, USA ABOUT: MY PASSION IS PHOTOGRAPHY. I SEEK THAT PERFECT MOMENT TO BE CAPTURED FOR ITS BEAUTY WITHIN. LIFE IS FULL OF GRACE IF YOU LOOK. CAPTURE IT.
PHOTO CREDITS: CHET BANKS
YModel ARA AZAR
Yara Azar Profession: Model Instagram Account: @Yaraazarr http://www.instagram.com/yaraazarr/ yaraazar1@gmail.com Lebanon Beirut
About: I am Yara from Beirut Lebanon, I am 18 years old. I am an Instagram influencer which lets me take my platform and inspire a whole new generation. I also the model for European and US brands as a Lebanese ambassador for brands. I am very perseverant at a young age, and I think this is what makes my character. I like to stand out and be a leader, not a follower. Your Story When I was a baby I had oesophagal atresia and no one thought I could survive as it was very rare at the time because there were not really significant advancements in the medical world to really help. I was also premature, born at seven months and I weighed only 800 grams. And right now I am an influencer on Instagram and hope people see that no matter what you went through no matter who you are, there is always inner strength that beats anything and everything. Photo Credits: I take all my pictures.
KAYA PETERS
Kaya Peters Profession: Entrepreneur, Fashion Designer, Yoga Teacher Instagram Account: @kayalovesu, @rainthelabel http://www.shop-rain.com Email address: thisiskaya@gmail.com Dubai, UAE
About: What I want to achieve is a continuously improved version of myself. I don't think I will ever stop setting new goals. Launching my clothing brand after more than a decade as a Yoga Teacher has been a great challenge and massive accomplishment. I want to inspire people to go for their dreams fearlessly. Your Story I grew up in a very dysfunctional household and left home at 17 to find my truths in life. I battled addiction, eating disorders, depression and anxiety for many years until I found Yoga and started healing myself. I then found my Yoga School in the United Arab Emirates and grew to be a successful Yoga Teacher Trainer. However, after more than a decade of this work, I realised I want to live my passion for art and fashion and decided to launch my clothing brand RAIN — the Label. I wanted to create clothes that feel like a second skin, yet make you feel so sexy and empowered. My concept is "Seductively Nurturing Leisure Wear". I used to be overweight and never thought I was beautiful. When I learned to nourish myself through Yoga, Fitness, the right foods and the right mindset, my body changed. I modelled for my clothes as I felt I wanted to be an example of how you can overcome your past and become a strong, empowered woman in spite of circumstances. It has been a month since I launched and the responses and sales have been amazing. All the women who wear my clothes say the same: "I feel so beautiful and I don't want to take them off". I am so inspired to build this brand into an international name, and can't wait for this new chapter of my life to unfold. Photo Credits: Kaya Peters
CHELSIA ALLEN
CHELSIA ALLEN PROFESSION: MODEL INSTAGRAM ACCOUNT: @CHELSIA_ALLEN HTTP://WWW.CHELSIAALLEN.COM EMAIL ADDRESS: SASALLEN12@GMAIL.COM HOUSTON, TX, USA ABOUT: I AM SUCH AN EXTROVERT! I LOVE TO MAKE PEOPLE LAUGH, POST VIDEOS OF ME BEING MY CRAZY SELF ON YOUTUBE AND VOLUNTEER AT ANY EVENT! I LIKE TO TRAVEL AND EXPLORE NEW PLACES, ESPECIALLY IF IT MEANS I GET TO TAKE MY CAMERA. MY GOAL FOR MODELLING IS TO LEARN AND ACHIEVE NEW TECHNIQUES AS WELL AS GROW SUCCESSFUL IN THE INDUSTRY! PHOTO CREDITS: KIMO LAUER
CHELSIA ALLEN PROFESSION: MODEL INSTAGRAM ACCOUNT: @CHELSIA_ALLEN HTTP://WWW.CHELSIAALLEN.COM EMAIL ADDRESS: SASALLEN12@GMAIL.COM HOUSTON, TX, USA ABOUT: I AM SUCH AN EXTROVERT! I LOVE TO MAKE PEOPLE LAUGH, POST VIDEOS OF ME BEING MY CRAZY SELF ON YOUTUBE AND VOLUNTEER AT ANY EVENT! I LIKE TO TRAVEL AND EXPLORE NEW PLACES, ESPECIALLY IF IT MEANS I GET TO TAKE MY CAMERA. MY GOAL FOR MODELLING IS TO LEARN AND ACHIEVE NEW TECHNIQUES AS WELL AS GROW SUCCESSFUL IN THE INDUSTRY! PHOTO CREDITS: KIMO LAUER
DEBORA SCARDOVELLI Profession: Swimsuit and fitness model magazine and business investor and partner in wine company and real estate Instagram Account: @Diamondjetsetterking and @Miamiqueen1612 http://facebook.com//DeborahKerr Email address: cristal826@hotmail.com Miami Beach, FL, USA About: Italian born and raised fluent in English French Spanish , starting modeling for swimsuit and lingerie in Milan Italy then met the man of my life (now Ex) super wealthy businessman that spoiled so much to allow me to have and live the presence of a celebrity without being famous travelling top class living in the best suites hotel from Italy to the US , moved to Miami Beach I own 3 apts And sold and live in luxury buildings , private driver , bodyguards, jewelries, private jet and first class flights best jetset celebrity lifestyle and my dog diamond living same lifestyle with me from 4 years and I am a professional runner of marathons half marathons 10k 5k several medals and love to swim fit super toned body we would love to find a sponsor to get us famous on social media me and my baby dog diamondjetsetterking
Your Story My life has always been beautiful And coming from wealthy family starting modeling in Milan Italy then moved to Miami my dream was to become famous do my own brand of bottle of champagne or vodka or have my own reality show since living unique lifestyle and I started Instagram for my dog with me to get seen and someone can make us superstars Photo Credits: Photos from iconic magazine land from Halloween parties in NYC at playboy club and in Miami Beach private parties and events
SHOOKA RABAR
Shooka Rabar shooka.rabar@gmail.com @iamsho0o0oka https://www.instagram.com/iamsho0o0oka/ Country Australia State / Region Western Australia Model ABOUT This is Shooka. I am from Perth, Western Australia. I am a mechanical engineer with a passion for modelling and art. I worked and studied hard and now am a Sales Manager for an engineering company. I like to do modelling next to an actual job. I found a sense of freedom and passion when I'm in front of the camera. I also play Piano, love dancing especially salsa, do yoga and in general try to be a better version of me every day.
Our readers would love to get to know you more Shooka. Tell us about yourself, what is unique about you, your brand or the services you offer? I am a young professional with a strong passion for modelling and creating memories with photos and shoots. Shooka, what are your passion and aspiration in life? How did you start as a Model? I always wanted to do both! I wanted to have the beauty and the brain! That's why I studied and worked hard to be where I am in my engineering career. But on the side, I always loved modelling. Posing in front of the camera gives me a level of joy and freedom that I cannot experience anywhere else. Who is your inspiration in life Shooka? How do you stay inspired as Model? It's a hard question. Different people. I always try to have successful and accomplished people as my role model. We all make mistakes Shooka; we wish we could take back. What was the error you made in the past that you want to you can bring back? Probably not expressing myself enough. Maybe that's why I love modelling! It's a way to show yourself without talking. Shooka, How do you describe yourself regarding working with clients? I am an extrovert, and I am very good with people and flexible to different opinions. Please tell us Shooka, how do you prioritise work, social life, friends, and family? Life is all about balance. I always try to manage my work, social life and family in a way that all aspects are fulfilled as much as possible. At the end of the day, that balance is what makes you happy. Shooka, please give us an example of a time when you were able to persuade someone to see things your way at work successfully. In a photo shoot, I came up with an idea of using some fabrics around the body to make it more artistic, the photographer was not very interested at the beginning, but after trying it out, he was on board! Shooka, please tell us about your proudest professional accomplishment as a Model. I think my first paid job was my proudest moment. Shooka, please give us an example of a time you were able to be creative with your work. What was exciting or challenging about it? It's exciting because you come up with the idea that makes a difference. But also implementing it and different opinions make it difficult. What advice would you give to the people who want to be successful as a Model?* * Just do what makes you happy and don't let the bumps on the road scare you.
Now for the best part Shooka! Please upload 5-10 photos so we can get to see your work. Photo Credits: Cover Photo 1 and Photo 1 & 2 : Photographer ImageStylesStudio @ImageStylesStudio / cover photo 2 and the rest: photographer Mike Beltrametti Photography
ALIX
ZUCKERMAN
Alix Zuckerman Profession: Model Instagram Account: @alixzuckerman Email address: alixzuckerman@gmail.com Cranston, RI, USA About: I am a dedicated, outgoing & fun loving girl who loves expressing creativity through modelling. I love the way images can make you feel something in a way that words can’t. Photo Credits: Ronnie Hoxsie photography Valencia photography
SL
STEPHEN LAMBETH
About: Photography is like the holy grail of interests… There is always more to learn, explore and develop. Both regarding technical skills and artistic expression. I can’t imagine my life without it… But me being me I am never satisfied with just taking an image. The language of colour (or lack thereof), the tones and textures all have a voice but does the medium of transmission. What I print it on; how I print it; do I etch, project, submit as an essay of an overlay with text (be it in braille, Morse code or something equally as obscure) or bind it into a book? The language of transmission is as important, if not more than the language of light. In every real sense, language is at the core of my practice. My first artistic love and the one I walked away from as 'it was not me' was a love of words and the complexity and structure of language as a written form. The inherent contradictions it contains are beautiful and amazing... 'sharp cheese' and 'rounded squares' logically and physically can't exist, but linguistically we know and understand, and that is the beauty of language. So there you have my work in a nutshell. My work is about the language, in all it's forms choose we use.
Your Story Growing up gay in rural NSW in the 80's before the internet and the world wide web, I had no concept of why I was different or what that difference meant. I just knew that I didn't fit. The more I tried to conform to societal norms the more it felt wrong. The only insights I gained about myself were from the dictionary, and that didn't help with matters. It lacked the richness of possibility of what being gay could contain... That understanding came later when I moved to the city and found my niche within a large community that I did not know of growing up. Was it tough growing up like that? Yes. Did it make more resilient for the challenges to follow later in life? Yes. Did have to be so hard? No It was that insight of what it was like growing up isolated and alone that I recognised in some of my friends recently. What I saw as loving and beautiful human beings others saw differently. They are not entirely gender fluid, but they definitely have a relationship with clothes that diverges from societal norms. I didn't like seeing what they were going through. As I an artist I naturally show my support by making a body of work about it. What emerges was a body that not only acts as a touchstone for anyone who is gender fluid but begins to open the door to a much large conversation about the toxic culture of masculinity that exists and how its affecting society today. Photo Credits: All photos were taken and created by myself.
LPU
LOGAN PIERCE UITERMARKT
Logan Pierce Uitermarkt Profession: Model Instagram Account: @logan_pierce_u Email address: chellace@yahoo.com IN, USA About: I am currently a senior in high school just applying to universities. I am hoping to be accepted to Purdue Universities Engineering College. Dance, music and fashion are a passion. I love dressing up with my girlfriend to do a photoshoot. We always have a blast.
Your Story The week before my freshman year of high school began, I was life lined to Riley Children's Hospital with a severe concussion and skull fracture. Up to that point, I lived to wrestle; I was the captain of the wrestling team. I don't remember anything about my accident or the days in the hospital, but I remember the days and months following. During that time I couldn't be in the light, it hurt too much. I couldn't walk, read, watch tv or be on any electronics. It took months to recover and over a year before my cognitive skills were back to somewhat normal. After the accident, I was told I would never wrestle again, or do any contact sports for that matter. I was devastated. After searching and trying all sorts of other activities, I was asked to perform with the local dance studio in the Nutcracker. We live in the middle of Indiana in a small country town. There are no male dancers in the studio. This will be my third year performing as the Nutcracker. I now do ballet and hip hop full time. The other students at the school have been brutal with their bullying. Calling me gay or a player, neither of which bother me. My mother told me years ago, "You can get real comfortable in your own skin right now and be who you are, or you can spend the rest of your life trying to be something you're not just to fit in. Which will it be." The girls in my dance studio are amazing! They have become family. I just submitted my application to several engineering schools and will graduate high school with both an academic honour and a technical degree. Today I don't regret the accident or the inability to wrestle. I thank God for the opportunity to become a stronger happier person.
Photo Credits:
Photographer- Michelle Hensley Female Model Savannah Palmer
AE
ALEXANDRIA EDMONDS
Alexandria Edmonds Profession: Model Instagram Account: @alexedmondsmodeling Website or social media link: https://www.instagram.com/ alexedmondsmodeling Email address: alexedmondsmodeling@gmail.com GA, USA About: The Simplicity of the outside, the summer breeze gives me chills. The raw, unpredictable characters of my family are what I live for. I love being in front of the camera. Shortly, I see myself following a health management pathway.
Your Story Growing up, a simple glance in the mirror would bring me to utter tears. I despised my skinny body and my height. I was always the tall girl in class. Students would voice their opinions with awful names. No one would play with me. My heart would tremble at every word they would spit in my face. As soon as I would get home, I'd rush to my mom and fall at her feet, shaking and crying with the feeling of inadequacy. She would try her best to cheer me up, but it never truly helped. When I grew older and was reminded of the fact that my worth is not based on people's opinions, I was able to face my insecurities head on. I learned to love myself and recognise the fact that all the hurtful words did not determine my worth. Photo Credits: R-Lead Photography
MARCELA IGLESIAS
Marcela Iglesias Profession: Model Instagram Account: @marcelaiglesiashollywood http://www.queenofhollywood.com Email address: thequeenofhollywood@gmail.com Agoura Hills, CA, USA
ABOUT MARCELA THERE'S A NEW QUEEN IN TOWN When Marcela Iglesias moved to Los Angeles 20 years ago, she had nothing but a belief in herself and the motivation to become a self-made woman. During her first ten years in America, she lived as an undocumented immigrant and worked tirelessly to create the life she had dreamed of as a child. Like all too many young women, that dream became a nightmare when she found herself trapped in a bad relationship with the father of her young child. However, when things were at their worst, Marcela took control of her destiny. Today Marcela runs one-of-a-kind Talent Management company and lifestyle brand called “The Plastics of Hollywood,” while at the same time making bank in real estate! With her newfound confidence, Marcela was able to find an incredible new man, who was raising three children, and together they have created a happy and healthy modern family whom all support one another and challenge themselves to achieve their dreams. Marcela now has it all. She’s a gorgeous, successful, career woman whose work as a talent manager often sees her featured in entertainment media alongside her clientele. Her real journey has called the attention of many Angelino women who, although they may have married well or have committed themselves to their families, are missing a sense of purpose in their lives. Over the years, many of these women have sought her out for guidance, which Marcela can’t help but give… no matter how brutal it may be. However, those who have taken Marcela’s effective leadership have found it to be incredibly useful. The mix of empathy and brutal honesty that’s made Marcela such an active manager for her clientele has translated seamlessly to these women and men who want to make a severe change in their career or life direction. That’s why in 2017, Marcela launched her newest and most exciting business venture yet: personalised life alteration motivation, which she calls “Marcela’s Way.”
Your Story
THERE'S A NEW QUEEN IN TOWN When Marcela Iglesias moved to Los Angeles 20 years ago, she had nothing but a belief in herself and the motivation to become a self-made woman. During her first 10 years in America, she lived as an undocumented immigrant and worked tirelessly to create the life she had dreamed of as a child. Like all too many young women, that dream became a nightmare when she found herself trapped in a bad relationship with the father of her young child. But when things were at their worst, Marcela took control of her own destiny. Today Marcela runs one-of-a-kind Talent Management company and lifestyle brand called “The Plastics of Hollywood,� while at the same time making bank in real estate! With her newfound confidence, Marcela was able to find an incredible new man, who was raising three children, and together they have created a happy and healthy modern family whom all support one another and challenge themselves to achieve their dreams.
Over the years, many of these women have sought her out for guidance, which Marcela can’t help but give… no matter how brutal it may be. However, those who have taken Marcela’s nononsense leadership have found it to be incredibly useful. The mix of empathy and brutal honesty that’s made Marcela such an active manager for her clientele has translated seamlessly to these women and men who want to make a severe change in their career or life direction. That’s why in 2017, Marcela launched her newest and most exciting business venture yet: personalised life alteration motivation, which she calls “Marcela’s Way.” ©2018 Marcela Iglesias. All rights reserved. Website created by MWPR. Photo Credits: Marcela Iglesias
Brian Colon
Brian Colon Profession: Model Instagram Account: @Hottopickhid http://www.instagram.com/hottopickhid/ brianl33bookme@gmail.com Orlando, FL, USA About: Hi, my name is Brian Lee, I’m 24 years old born in the Bronx, NY but currently living in Orlando, FL. I’m a pharmacy technician specialist and go to school for my degree for healthcare administration. My passion has always been modelling to achieve my goals and dreams to make my family and the world proud of my work ethics. I want to become the next big thing to further my career as a model while achieving school and working hard per usual. I want to make my parents say “I’m so proud of you” while they’re still in my life. I’m doing this to express my art, my freedom and my story finally. Your Story My life has always been a roller coaster, but I’ve always kept my struggles pushing and take it to the road to success. My efforts were my motivation. My life is the definition of energy working on furthering towards my success and dreams. My time is now. Photo Credits: Photo credit: Jason Colon and Terrell Williams
Julia Townsend
Julia Townsend Profession: Model, Student Instagram Account: @jules_is_the_name_ Email address: julia.townsend1993@gmail.com CA, USA About: My passions in life have always revolved around helping people and giving 100% in everything I do. At the task at hand, I ever met the requirements with integrity, patience and an eagerness to learn something new. Currently, I am a student earning a certificate to teach English as a Foreign Language abroad. I have also volunteered in a clinic for four years with undocumented worker's families and their children to help them with English and tools to better overcome learning dierences. My passion, as stated as before, has and always will be to help people achieve their goals in life through hard work and dedication. I want to meet the feeling that I made a dierence in the world by assisting individuals to believe they can and will do anything they set their minds to. Your Story I was recruited for Track and Field for college. During my Freshman year, I was asked by the older teammates if I would be able to make it to nationals seeing as I was the only Racewalker. At first, I had a moment of doubt and then remembered the value of my spirit of love and training for the sport. In the next couple of months of gearing up for nationals, I spent a day in and day out training and seeing what else I could do to prepare myself physically, mentally and spiritually real. When it came time to race I put everything I had and made for out on the track and became top eight in the country. I always remember this story to remind myself and others that you really can do anything you set your mind to. Photo Credits: Photo 1: Frankie Palmer Photo 2: Ivonne Maria Carvajal, Shannon Buckley Photo 3: Janine Townsend Photo 4: Diane Eskenazi Photo 5: Diane Eskenazi Photo 6: Janine Townsend Photo 7: Diane Eskenazi Photo 8: Diane Eskenazi Photo 9: Diane Eskenazi Photo 10: Frankie Palmer
Giovannie Espiritu
Actress, Filmmaker, & Acting Coach
Giovannie Espiritu Profession: Actress, Filmmaker, & Acting Coach Instagram Account: @giospirit2 & @hollywoodactorsworkshop Website or social media link: http://hollywoodactorsworkshop.com Email address: giovannieespiritu@gmail.com CA,USA About: Actress, acting coach, and filmmaker Giovannie Espiritu were nominated alongside Academy Award Nominees Alfre Woodard and Amy Irving for Best Supporting Actress at MethodFest for the Mynah Films feature film Fiona’s Script. Her primetime credits include a recurring role on ER (NBC), Bones (FOX), Gilmore Girls (ABC), and Trauma (NBC). She can currently be seen as the series lead in the Amazon series, "Dyke Central," which was featured in After Ellen, BuzzFeed, and Curve Magazine as a top lesbian series to watch. She has a supporting role in upcoming fantasy/thriller, "D-Railed," with scenes opposite sci-fi icon Lance Henriksen. She is the also the founder of HollywoodActorsWorkshop.com, a school for kids and adults who are serious about working in film & television. Her students are series regular, book national campaigns, and sign with the top agencies. Your Story When I was younger, I escaped a patriarchal cult and abusive marriage which led me to focus on art as activism. I tend to gravitate towards stories and films that have a social justice angle in them. For example: my first play tackled date rape among middle school students, my first film had to do with high school shootings and bullying, I directed "The Vagina Monologues," at the Herbst Theater in San Francisco to benefit domestic violence shelters for women, and the series that I am in on Amazon is really ahead of its time in terms of gender presentation and sexuality. I think that actors tend to have broken hearts and that is why were are continually striving to find connection and make sense of the world around us through storytelling. Photo Credits: Theo and Juliet Bjorn Wilde GMA Network CYA Photography Revry Network Dyke Central (Amazon) D-Railed (SDLP Productions) Credits include: Bones, Trauma, ER (4 Episodes), & Gilmore Girls Jackie on D-Railed with Lance Henricksen / Starring as Gin on Dyke Central (Amazon) IG: @giospirit2 and TW: @giospirit giovannie.com
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I directed "The Vagina Monologues," at the Herbst Theater in San Francisco to benefit domestic violence shelters for women, and the series that I am in on Amazon is really ahead of its time in terms of gender presentation and sexuality.
OHD OLIVIER HERO DRESSEN
RECOGNIZING & SHOWCASING FASHION BRANDS TALENTS & CREATIVES IN THE FASHION INDUSTRY, AROUND THE WORLD